Disqualifying Conditions and Waivers

Mmmidshipman

5-Year Member
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Jul 4, 2016
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Hey there, I'm new to this forum, but I was wondering if I could get some advice on some of my medical conditions. So I currently have anemia which is disqualifying, but it's under control with iron supplements. I also have Graves' disease hyperthyroidism (also under control with medication). According to the appendix of disqualifying conditions on USNA's website, any history of hyperthyroidism is a disqualification. I am looking into radioactive iodine ablation to make me hypothyroid or possibly even a thyroidectomy. Since hypothyroidism is not disqualifying as long as it is under control, will this be okay? And as long as I'm here, I'm also have a food intolerance (not allergy), does DODMERB care about that? Do you think I can get into the Academy with two conditions? Thanks!
 
The USNA website gives you a good overview of disqualifying medical conditions but it is a summary. If you think you are going to have issues with the DODMERB process the 2 documents you want to reference are:

DoDI 6130.03, April 28, 2010
Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/613003p.pdf
And a dated document showing non wavierable conditions
https://www.jmu.edu/rotc/prospective-cadets/Non-waiverable medical conditions.pdf

Read through the medical standards carefully. Around page 41 for you.
"(34) Current or history of hyperthyroidism (242.9). In remission off of anti-thyroidal medication with normal thyroid function tests for a minimum of 12 months and without evidence of thyroid associated ophthalmopathy DOES meet the standard. " So I think your hyperthyroidism needs to be more than under control to be qualifying.

An intolerance is not an allergy so you are correct you would be able to state you do not have an allergy. However, when answering "any other medical conditions" your intolerance should be listed along with an explanation. I have not seen anywhere where something like lactose intolerance would be disqualifying.

This thread may be of additional assistance.
www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/does-he-have-a-chance-medically.49752/#post-496981
 
The USNA website gives you a good overview of disqualifying medical conditions but it is a summary. If you think you are going to have issues with the DODMERB process the 2 documents you want to reference are:

DoDI 6130.03, April 28, 2010
Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/613003p.pdf
And a dated document showing non wavierable conditions
https://www.jmu.edu/rotc/prospective-cadets/Non-waiverable medical conditions.pdf

Read through the medical standards carefully. Around page 41 for you.
"(34) Current or history of hyperthyroidism (242.9). In remission off of anti-thyroidal medication with normal thyroid function tests for a minimum of 12 months and without evidence of thyroid associated ophthalmopathy DOES meet the standard. " So I think your hyperthyroidism needs to be more than under control to be qualifying.

An intolerance is not an allergy so you are correct you would be able to state you do not have an allergy. However, when answering "any other medical conditions" your intolerance should be listed along with an explanation. I have not seen anywhere where something like lactose intolerance would be disqualifying.

This thread may be of additional assistance.
www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/does-he-have-a-chance-medically.49752/#post-496981
Thank you!
 
I'm NOT an MD but would be surprised if you can get a waiver for Grave's. The military is typically loathe to admit folks with conditions that require medication for fear that, in a difficult/hostile environment, medication might not be readily available.

You might check with the medical rep at USNA to see if your conditions are waiverable (some DQ conditions can be waived and some can't be or never are). If it's waiverable, go for it! If not, you have your answer.
 
I'm NOT an MD but would be surprised if you can get a waiver for Grave's. The military is typically loathe to admit folks with conditions that require medication for fear that, in a difficult/hostile environment, medication might not be readily available.

You might check with the medical rep at USNA to see if your conditions are waiverable (some DQ conditions can be waived and some can't be or never are). If it's waiverable, go for it! If not, you have your answer.
Thanks, I'm considering treatments to make my thyroid problems become less of an issue. My current endocrinologist says that the Navy doesn't frown upon hypothyroidism as much so I might decide to go down that route. I've heard it's easier to be hypo and without medication than it is hyper...
 
I believe that is true at least on the enlisted side, not sure about DODMERB (my best bud's daughter had some thyroid issues and was trying to enlist so we read a lot of documents). Different standards between the two. Best bet is to read the order and know it inside and out, contact the SA and ask some questions.
 
Hey there, I'm new to this forum, but I was wondering if I could get some advice on some of my medical conditions. So I currently have anemia which is disqualifying, but it's under control with iron supplements. I also have Graves' disease hyperthyroidism (also under control with medication). According to the appendix of disqualifying conditions on USNA's website, any history of hyperthyroidism is a disqualification. I am looking into radioactive iodine ablation to make me hypothyroid or possibly even a thyroidectomy. Since hypothyroidism is not disqualifying as long as it is under control, will this be okay? And as long as I'm here, I'm also have a food intolerance (not allergy), does DODMERB care about that? Do you think I can get into the Academy with two conditions? Thanks!

Agree. Anything that requires ongoing medication to keep under control like hypothyroidism will be an uphill battle. I think the magic words from any physician would have to be "no restrictions" for "deployment worldwide". That's why food allergies and anything requiring ongoing treatment might be difficult to waiver. That said, agree that the only way to find out for sure is apply.

Good luck!
 
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